Member Article

Local legal expert helps bring £4m casino to Wolverhampton

A local licensing law specialist has played a significant role in helping bring a £multi-million casino development to Wolverhampton with the possibility of 133 new jobs.

QualitySolicitors Talbots’ Peter Adkins acted on behalf of Casino 36 Ltd during the two-year process that has successfully seen the company awarded one of just eight small casino licences in the UK.

The Head of Licensing and Dispute Resolution drafted and submitted the application, dealt with challenges and objections and provided ongoing legal advice to ensure entrepreneur Adrian Ballard’s bid was successful.

The agreement by Wolverhampton City Council paves the way for the existing Rubicon Casino in Temple Street to be extended into the former Dorchester nightclub next door, creating one of the biggest venues of its type in the West Midlands.

When complete it will feature live gaming tables, 80 slot machines, a large poker area for televised international tournaments and a new restaurant and sports bar.

“This is a major milestone in the regeneration of the Southside of Wolverhampton and, as a local law firm, we are delighted to have helped make it happen,” explained Peter.

“It has certainly been one of my more interesting cases, as it was a relatively new area of law…I think only three similar licence application processes had been started when we submitted Casino 36’s bid in October 2012.”

He continued: “From that moment, I have provided a host of legal services during the process, including developing documentation to support the bid and working with one of the country’s leading gambling barristers Philip Kolvin QC on overcoming some of the objections.

“All of the hard work has been worth it. Wolverhampton will have a state-of-the-art casino that will employ over 130 people and attract hundreds, if not thousands, of new visitors to the city. Hopefully, this £4m development could kickstart regeneration on Southside too.”

Casino 36’s Adrian Ballard added his backing: “To secure one of just eight small casino licences is a great achievement and gives us a fantastic platform to expand on our already successful Rubicon casino.

“We want to put Wolverhampton on the map and will be investing in the best staff, the best machines and in creating one of the best restaurants in the City. There are even plans for an open-air sky terrace.”

He continued: “Peter’s commitment to our application has been fantastic. It’s not always been easy, but throughout he has provided us with the right advice at the right time and, his knowledge of the local area, has definitely played a part.”

Peter’s team are part of QualitySolicitors Talbots fast growing business services offer, which provides owner managers, SMEs and national organisations with a host of legal services.

This will range from assistance with setting up a company and support with regulatory issues, through to specialist advice on property/HR issues and dealing with dispute resolutions.

All companies are offered a free business and employment ‘health check’, where an expert will review their operations and provide initial guidance on how to deal with any issues.

Peter concluded: “There has definitely been a marked upturn in licensing work, which points to a more positive outlook. We are seeing a lot of new applications, varying from multiscreen cinemas and specialist wine merchants, to sushi restaurants and even a funeral parlour looking to hold wakes.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Russ Cockburn .